descriptive
The fungi Ascomycota and Basidomycota are more common in soils with higher levels of total mercury and methylmercury.
Scientific Claim
Ascomycota and Basidomycota fungal phyla are positively associated with total mercury and methylmercury levels in contaminated soils.
Original Statement
“For fungi (c), Ascomycota and Basidomycota, the two most dominant phyla, were positively associated with THg and MeHg, while Blastocladiomycota was positively associated with BHg.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim describes observed statistical associations without implying causation. 'Positively associated' appropriately describes the correlation found in CCA analysis.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
0
9
Contradicting (0)
0
No contradicting evidence found